ESP TESLA MODEL S 2023 Owner's Manual

To add a destination to your Favorites list touch its pin on the map, then touch the star icon on the popup screen that
appears. Enter a name (or leave as-is to accept the default name), then touch
Add
to Favorites. The star becomes solid and
the destination is included on your
Favorites list.
To delete a Recent or Favorite destination, touch it on the destination list and hold it down
briefly until the X
appears. Then touch the X to delete it from the list.
Home and Work locations also display under the
navigation search bar. Touch to set an address to the corresponding location. After entering the address, touch
Save as Home or Save as Work. Then simply
touch these shortcuts whenever you want to navigate home or to work.
To change or delete the corresponding address, press
and hold the
Home or Work icon. A popup allows you to
enter a new address and
Save as Home or Save as Work.
Or touch
Clear Home or Clear Work to remove
associated addresses entirely.
NOTE: Based on your usage patterns, Model S may
prompt you to save a location as Home or Work.
NOTE: Once a Home or Work location is saved, Model S
may prompt you to navigate to your Work location in
the mornings and to your Home location in the evenings
and provide an estimated driving time based on current
traffic conditions. See Automatic Navigation on page
149.
For security reasons, if you sell Model S, it is
recommended that you delete your Home and Work
locations. You can delete these individually or you can perform a factory reset to erase all personal data (touch
Controls > Service > Factory Reset).
Charging Locations
To display charging locations on the map, touch the map

High Voltage Components
1.
Heat Pump Assembly
2.
Front Drive Unit
3.
Service Access Panel for High Voltage Components (Penthouse)
4.
High Voltage Battery
5.
High Voltage Busbars
6.
Rear Drive Unit
7.
Charge Port
NOTE: Plaid version not shown.
WARNING: The high voltage system has no user serviceable parts. Do not disassemble, remove or replace high
voltage components, cables or connectors. High voltage cables are typically colored orange for easy
identification.
WARNING: Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model S. These labels
are there for your safety.
WARNING: In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fire emergency responders.
Electric Vehicle Components
159Charging and Energy Consumption

Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove
corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until
Model S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots
and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. These substances can cause unclear pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop working (see
Cleaning a Camera on page 178).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of
Model S:
1.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle
using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly
rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the
vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
2.
Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a clean soft cloth and cold
or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos
contain chemicals that can cause damage or
discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces,
lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car
cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components. Damage or
discoloration resulting from cleaning products
is not covered by the warranty.
3.
Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4.
Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a
short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
Window Cleaning and Treatments
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass
cleaner. Do not scrape or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid

on glass or mirrored surfaces. Follow the directions in
Cleaning the Exterior on page 178 for best practices in
cleaning the exterior glass.
To add a hydrophobic coating to your vehicle

Cautions for Exterior CleaningCAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.

Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model S. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly at parking sensors (if
equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water jet on any one area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at
windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic
modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may
not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any
road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel
wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry
the brakes by going on a short drive and applying
the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality
microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash, use
touchless car washes only. These car washes have
no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of
Model S. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash,
make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid
using controls on the touchscreen that can result
in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the
vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is
not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model S to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical based wheel
cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage
the finish on the wheels.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, if using a pressure washer) towards
the charge port while Model S is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its
appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible,
immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For
general cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as
microfiber) dampened with a mixture of warm
water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use). To avoid streaks, dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on
glass or mirrored surfaces. This can damage the
reflective surface of the mirror and the heating elements
in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag cover. This could
affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Polished surfaces are
reflective and could interfere with
your driving view.
Seats
Wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces as soon as possible using a soft cloth moistened with warm water and non-detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Although seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain
performance and an as-new appearance. Promptly treat
dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area
before applying to visible surfaces.
If equipped with leather seats, note that leather is prone to dye-transfer which can cause discoloration, particularly on light colored leather. White and tan
leather is coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Using detergents or commercially available leather cleaners and conditioners is not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat

Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
Use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories. Tesla
performs rigorous testing on parts to ensure their
suitability, safety, and reliability. Purchase these parts
from Tesla, where they are professionally installed and
where you can receive expert advice about
modifications to Model S. Accessories are available for
purchase from Tesla stores or online at
www.tesla.com.
NOTE: Some accessories may not be available in your
market region.
Tesla is unable to assess parts manufactured by other distributors and therefore accepts no responsibility if
you use non-Tesla parts on
Model S.
WARNING: Installing non-approved parts and
accessories, or performing non-approved
modifications, can affect the performance of
Model S and the safety of its occupants. Any
damage caused by using or installing non-
approved parts, or by performing non-approved
modifications, is not covered by the warranty.
WARNING: Tesla does not accept liability for
death, personal injury or damage that occurs if you
use or install non-approved accessories or make
non-approved modifications.
Body Repairs
If your Model S is in a collision, contact Tesla or a Tesla-
approved Body Shop to ensure that it is repaired with genuine Tesla parts. Tesla has selected and approved
body shops that meet strict requirements for training, equipment, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Some repair shops and insurance companies might
suggest using non-original equipment or salvaged parts
to save money. However, these parts do not meet Tesla

BrakesSpecificationsFront Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back
plate)New: 0.41”/10.5 mm (MIN)Service limit: 0.09”/ 2.3 mmRear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.33”/8.5 mm (MIN)Service limit: 0.11”/ 2.7 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake calipers
Suspension
SuspensionSpecificationsFrontIndependent, double wishbone, air spring with adaptive damper, stabilizer barRearIndependent, multi-link, air spring with adaptive damper, stabilizer bar
Battery - Low Voltage
Battery - Low VoltageSpecificationsRating6.9 amp hourVoltage15.5V
Battery - High Voltage
Battery - High VoltageSpecificationsTypeLiquid-cooled lithium ion (Li-ion)Nominal Voltage407 V DCTemperature RangeDo not expose Model S to ambient temperatures above 149

Vehicle normal load on the
tireLoad on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and dividing by two.
Pneumatic Radial Tire Definitions
Bead separationA breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.Bias ply tireA pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles
substantially less than 90 degrees to the center line of the tread.CarcassThe tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, that when inflated, bears the load.ChunkingThe breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.CordThe strands forming the plies in the tire.Cord separationThe parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.CrackingAny parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.Extra load tireA tire designed to operate at higher loads and higher inflation pressure than the
corresponding standard tire.GrooveThe space between two adjacent tread ribs.Inner linerThe layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium
within the tire.Inner liner
separationThe parting of the inner liner from cord material in the carcass.Load ratingThe maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.Maximum load
ratingThe load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.Measuring rimThe rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements.Open spliceAny parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that extends to the cord material.Outer diameterThe overall diameter of an inflated new tire.Overall widthThe linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including
elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.PlyA layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.Ply separationA parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.Pneumatic tireA mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials, that,
when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or
fluid

that sustains the load.
Radial ply tireA pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90
degrees to the center line of the tread.Reinforced tireA tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the
corresponding standard tire.Section widthThe linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding
elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.SidewallThe portion of a tire between the tread and bead.Sidewall separationThe parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.
Wheels and Tires
199Specifications

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH
WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The front and rear motors in Model S generate power
when the wheels spin. Always transport
Model S with all
four tires
off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable
to spin at any time during transport.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE
WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY
CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT
DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES
EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE
SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.
Do not transport Model S using any method that is not
specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in
the following sections and observe all warnings and
cautions provided. Damage caused by improper
transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the
warranty.
NOTE: Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing
services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.
Approved Methods for Transporting
A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the
recommended method of transporting
Model S. The
vehicle can face either direction when using a
flatbed.
If Model S must be transported without a flatbed truck,
then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that
all four wheels are
off of the ground. This method may
only be used for a maximum of
35 miles (55 km), and
must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the
dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle
faces forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.
NOTE: Transporting Model S with the front wheels on
dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an
external
steering yoke (or steering wheel) lock is applied
and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from
spinning.
CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE
IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF ANY OF THE
WHEELS SPINNING.
CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate
Transport Mode on page 203) before winching
Model S onto a flatbed truck. If Transport Mode is
not available or the touchscreen is not accessible,
self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to
load the vehicle into the approved transportation
position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage
caused by or during the transport of Model S,
including personal property damage or damage
caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
NOTE: Transport Mode is only intended to allow for
winching
Model S onto a flatbed truck or repositioning
the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under
3
mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than
30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode on
page 203. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to
significant damage and overheating that is not covered
by the warranty.
WARNING: Model S is equipped with high voltage
components that may be compromised as a result
of a collision (see High Voltage Components on
page 159). Before transporting Model S, it is
important to assume these components are
energized. Always follow high voltage safety
precautions (wearing personal protection
equipment, etc.) until emergency response
professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can
accurately confirm that all high voltage systems
are no longer energized. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury.
Instructions for Transporters
202MODEL S Owner

Vehicle Hold is currently unavailable due to system constraints. When stopping, use the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete stop and keep your vehicle stationary.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive.
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK
to drive in the meantime.
For more information, see Vehicle Hold on page 72.
DI_a250
Adaptive ride control disabled
Drive with caution
What this alert means:
The speed of your vehicle is limited to 90 mph (144 km/h) due to an issue with the Adaptive Suspension Damping
system.
The system cannot provide real-time adjustments to the suspension system to optimize both ride and handling, and
as a result your ride may be softer than usual.
What to do:
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK
to drive in the meantime.
This alert is accompanied by a red indicator light on the instrument panel. For more information, see Air Suspension
on page 129.
ESP_a118
Assist for low brake performance activated
To stop, keep brake pedal firmly pressed
What this alert means:
Hydraulic Fade Compensation is active. This brake assist function activates temporarily to make sure you have full
braking capability in conditions where reduced braking performance is detected by your vehicle.
When this assist function activates, you may feel the brake pedal pull away from your foot and notice a strong
increase in brake pressure. You may also hear a pumping sound coming from the brake hydraulic unit at the front of
the vehicle. This will usually last for a few seconds, depending on road surface and vehicle speed. This is completely
normal and does not indicate any issue with your vehicle.
What to do:
Continue to press the brake pedal as you normally would, and do not "pump" (repeatedly press and release) the
pedal as this will interrupt the function.
This alert will clear when your vehicle comes to a stop or you are no longer pressing the brake pedal. It may still be
displayed for up to 5 seconds afterward.
Reduced braking performance is usually temporary, and can occur for a number of reasons including high brake
temperatures after heavy brake use, or driving in extremely cold or wet conditions. It can also indicate that your
brake pads or rotors have worn to the point that normal replacement is needed.
If you continue to experience reduced braking performance which does not improve over time, please contact Tesla
service at your convenience for a brake inspection.
For more information, see Hydraulic Fade Compensation on page 67.
Troubleshooting Alerts
238MODEL S Owner

summer tires: 177
Summon: 105
Summon Distance: 105
superchargers, displaying on map: 147
supercharging: 166
described: 166
idle fees: 166
pay-per-use fees: 166
suspension: 129
suspension specifications: 194
suspension, air: 129
suspension, auto-raising: 129
suspension, damping: 129
T
telematics: 261
temperature: 50, 61, 119, 161, 197
Battery (high voltage), limits: 161
cabin, controls for: 119
heated: 50
outside: 61
tires: 197
tesla profiles: 47
Teslacam: 135, 136
tie-down straps: 205
tilt/intrusion detection: 133
Tire and Loading Information label: 188
tire noise: 177
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: 175
overview of: 175
tire pressures, checking: 173
tire pressures, displaying: 173
tires: 173, 174, 176, 177, 194, 195, 197
all-season: 177
balancing: 174
chains: 177
inspecting and maintaining: 173
pressures, displaying: 173
pressures, how to check: 173
quality grading: 197
replacing: 174
replacing a tire sensor: 176
rotation: 174
specification: 194
summer: 177
temperature grades: 197
tire markings: 195
traction grade: 197
treadwear grade: 197
wheel configuration: 173
winter: 177
toll system transponders, attaching: 185
torque specifications: 192
touch up body: 180
touchscreen: 6, 8, 10, 143, 180
adding shortcuts: 10
cleaning: 180
customizing My Apps: 10
display settings: 6
frozen: 8
main: 6
overview: 6
rear: 6
reboot: 8
software updates: 143
unresponsive: 8
towing: 203, 206, 207
towing, instructions: 202
towing, transporting: 202
Toybox: 156
TPMS: 175
overview of: 175
Track Mode: 74
Tracking Disabled: 147
traction control: 69
trademarks: 259
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: 96
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 84
transmission specifications: 192
transponders, attaching: 185
Transport Canada, contacting: 264
Transport Mode: 203
transporting: 203
trip chart: 170
trip meter: 76
Trip Planner: 151
trunk, front: 22
trunk, rear: 20
turn signals, lights: 60
U
ultrasonic sensors: 81
uniform tire quality grading: 197
Unlock On Park: 18
unlocking: 17
USB devices, connecting: 25
USB flash drive: 133, 135, 136
USB ports, console: 25
Index